Why is Youth Mental Health First Aid important?

Why is Youth Mental Health First Aid so important?

Because mental illnesses often start in adolescence or early adulthood, and it is important to detect problems early to ensure the young person is properly treated and supported. Early intervention can help with preventing the development of a crisis such as suicide or self harm, and can help prevent or reduce the likelihood of future replaces later in life.

The statistics

The Australian Government health studies indicate that one in six adolescents will meet criteria for some type of mental illness in any given year. “The second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing” published by Young Minds Matter has found that one in seven Australians aged four to 17 years had a mental health disorder. These figures alone are a major concern, but even more alarming is that the age on onset is becoming younger, and the types of disorders are also changing to show an increase of young people experiencing major depressive disorder.

Mission Australia found just as alarming figures through their studies, discovering
that adolescent girls in particular were experiencing high levels of distress, with one in five adolescent girls aged 16 to 17, meeting diagnostic criteria for depression, and of that group, one in six had self-harmed, and one in 20 had attempted suicide in the past 12 months.

The numbers of Adolescents experiencing psychological distress is on the rise.

There has been a steady increase of adolescents and children with mental health issues, particularly for young females with total percentages of females aged 15-19 years experiencing anxiety and depression reaching 30% in 2018 up from 23% in 2012. 1 in 5 young people experiencing mental health issues felt they didn’t have anyone they could turn to in a crisis and barriers to seeking help included fear, embarrassment, lack of confidence and lack of support. Many of the adolescence that I have worked with were ashamed of their thoughts and feelings and didn’t want to burden their parents with their problems. There was a real belief and fear that their parents wouldn’t love them as much, or would treat them differently.

For young people mental health problems are far more common than physical health problems, and with the prevalence of mental health issues on the rise it is more important now to break the cycle and support the young people. Therefore we know that a focus on prevention and early intervention through training school staff, educating parents and carers, and resourcing other caring adults in the young person’s life can all have valuable outcomes and create a spider web of supports around those who need the support the most.

What does the Youth Mental Health First Aid course teach?

The Youth Mental Health First Aid Course teaches adults who have frequent contact with adolescents, such as parents, guardians, school staff, sport coaches and youth workers, how to assist children and young people who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training can make a real difference. Research shows that the Youth Mental Health First Aid course is associated with improved knowledge of mental illnesses, their treatments and appropriate first aid strategies, as well as confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness or someone experiencing a mental health crisis. By completing the YMHFA course you can help decrease stigmatising attitudes and increase the the amount and type of support you provided to others.

Book through Empowered Existence for your group

For more information on the Youth Mental Health First Aid course, or any of the courses run by Empowered Existence at your school, workplace, or organization please visit our website for more information or call us on 0401851654.

Or you can book direct into one of our upcoming trainings here.

Supports

If you know someone who is experiencing a mental health illness or in a crisis and needing support, please help connect them to one of the following or contact Empowered Existence for a secondary consult and free advice.

Lifeline:
24/7 crisis support service 13 11 14

Kids Helpline:
24/7 crisis support service for young people
1800 55 1800 or online text chat at www.kidshelp.com.au

headspace:
24/7 support service for young people
1800 650 890 or online text chat at www.headspace.org.au

Reach Out:
online youth mental health service www.reachout.com

beyond blue:
online information on depression and anxiety 1300 22 4636 or
www.beyondblue.org.au

Relationships Australia:
1300 364 277 or www.relationships.org.au